New Year! New Goals!

As the clock strikes 12 o’clock and the new year rolls in, time once again to set those New Year’s resolutions. But how often are those resolutions kept or rather, even started? Funny how we set out each new year with great ideas, big plans, and large goals only to never start them or rather peter out after the first week or so.

Resolutions and goals are achievable, only if you stick with them. But what causes us to lose interest or never even start? Could it be the goals we set are often too broad, not focused enough, or completely out of
touch with our own reality? The answer…. Yes, to all of the above.

Often people start out with goals that are too big. As the saying goes, How do you eat an elephant? Answer: One bite at a time (of course, we do not eat elephants, but the concept is the same).  When we take on tasks or goals that are too large, it is hard to tackle the goal all at once. It is important to set larger goals but, tackle the larger goal by achieving smaller wins each and every day. If you start with small wins, it is more likely you will reach your larger goals.

Resolutions and goals should also be focused.  Just saying you want to “exercise” in the new year can mean a lot of things. What will be your focus? Will your focus be to do 3 sit ups a day or run 3 miles a week? When setting goals, be specific as to what you want to accomplish.

What is your reality? When setting goals, make sure they align with the actual reality you live in. If your goal is to spend more time at home during the week and your job requires you to be out of town 6 out of the 7
days, then your reality may not align with what you want to accomplish.

The key to reaching and achieving your goals is to be SMART in the process.

S- Be Specific.  The more specific you are, the easier your
goal is to start, work towards, and achieve.

M-Keep it Measurable. A measure lets you know
you have achieved your goal and enables you to track progress.

A-Make it Actionable. Are your goals your goals
and not someone else’s? Are your goals within your control?

R-Is it Realistic? Are your goals realistic to
you specifically? Goals should be challenging yet realistic.

T-Ensure its Timebound. Goals should motivate
you, give you a date to aim for, and plan towards.

What do you want to accomplish this New Year?